We at Aquafeed.com are deeply saddened to learn of the sudden passing of Richard Nelson.
We received the following message from Gary Jensen, National Program Leader NIFA:
\"I wish to share some very sad news on the passing of Richard Nelson who was a colleague and friend. He was one of the founders of the National Organic Aquaculture Work Group (NOAWG) whose professionalism and passion on this subject reached many over the years. He organized many of the organic aquaculture sessions at numerous national aquaculture conferences.
He recently ‘retired’ to spend more time with family and pursue enjoyment in life.
Regards,
Gary Jensen\"
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Richard Nelson
Obituary
Richard Nelson
1953 ~ 2013
Salt Lake City, Utah-We have lost our dear father, husband, brother and friend, Richard Nelson. Known to family and friends as Dick, our Poppy will be missed by all who were lucky to have known him, especially his three granddaughters. Dick had been retired for the past year from the family business, Nelson and Sons, where he worked with his father, uncles and cousins, Dana and Chris Nelson, his entire adult life.
His integrity, insight and penchant for organization were also appreciated when volunteering for organizations like the Murray City Chamber of Commerce, US Trout Farmers Assoc., National Aquaculture Assoc. and Tree Utah.
Dick loved fishing, camping and outdoor pursuits, but in retirement his focus of interest had been his Zen Buddhist practice, Yoga, cooking, and above all, family time.
Dick and Toni, his wife, were avid travelers and loved nothing more than seeing new places. Often trips would include the whole family going to places like Scandinavia, Hawaii or Japan. Whether traveling or at home, spending time with his children, Melissa and Brett Nelson-Stippich, granddaughters Sadie and Olive, Aaron and Ai Fujii Nelson and baby Maya, and Moey and Justin Nelson-Carruth, was the joy of his life. Dickie and Toni had an amazing love story, married for 33 years they had eloped after knowing each other for only two weeks. Constant companions, they part as lovers and best friends, having shared their happiness with everyone around them. Dick was born and lived his whole life in the Salt Lake Valley. He attended Murray high school and the University of Utah where he graduated Magna cum laude. Dick leaves his father, Calvin D. Nelson, Brother, William (Billy), beloved \"Sisto\" Julie and Husband Danny Nelson, nieces Kara and Danielle, husband Sean Clark and son Keeland. He has been reunited with his Mother, Judy Nelson Motta. With no prior history, and seemingly in excellent health, a sudden cardiac arrest was the cause of his death. Words cannot express the depth of our loss and pain of separation. Services will be held at the Wasatch Lawn Mortuary, 3401 South Highland Drive, Salt Lake City, on Monday, December 23 with a viewing at 12:30 and services beginning at 2:00. Dick will be cremated and a portion of his ashes will be interred at Wasatch Lawn Memorial Park.
Published in Deseret News on Dec. 22, 2013
